Dr. Kenneth E. Dennis, Sr.
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About Richmond's Honorary Street Name Designations
Honorary street names can be found throughout Richmond, and are intended to memorialize individuals for their civic, cultural, humanitarian, or historically significant contributions to the Richmond Community. These designations typically apply to a portion of a street, such as a city block, and are designated by Richmond City Council via the passing of an Ordinance. Honorary street names do not replace the existing name of a street and do not require an alteration to maps or addresses.
Dr. Kenneth E. Dennis, Sr.
Dr. Kenneth Eugene Dennis, Sr. was a leader of Richmond’s religious community for many years. The Miami, Florida, native joined the United States Air Force after graduating high school. After four years of service with the Air Force, Mr. Dennis headed to Richmond to enroll at Virginia Union University. While studying for his bachelor’s degree, in 1980, Kenneth E. Dennis earned his licensure to preach. He was later awarded a master’s degree in ministry from VUU, and subsequently taught as an adjunct instructor at VUU’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology. Reverend Dennis later taught at the Richmond Virginia Seminary, which awarded him an honorary doctorate for his service.
In 1988, Dr. Kenneth E. Dennis, Sr. became pastor of Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Jackson Ward, a position he held for more than 30 years. During his tenure, Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church joined forces with other churches in downtown Richmond to serve meals to the homeless and the underfed. Greater Mt. Moriah also hosted meetings of Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous in aid of those in the community with substance abuse issues.
In addition to his work at Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Dr. Kenneth E. Dennis, Sr. served the greater Richmond community as a grief counselor for families of homicide victims (he was a former chaplain of the Richmond Police Department). Reverend Dennis also co-hosted the television show “Focus on Black Religious Life”, and wrote pieces for the religion page of a Richmond-based African American newspaper.
On Feb. 18, 2021, Dr. Kenneth E. Dennis, Sr. passed away at the age of 65.
Designation Area:
The portion of East Charity Street located between its intersection with North 1st Street and its intersection with North 2nd Street has been designated in honor of Dr. Kenneth E. Dennis, Sr.
Download the Council Ordinance:
Learn more about this Honorary Street Designation by downloading a copy of the legislation. The Council Ordinance below is in PDF format:
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